Watch fireworks at sea on a cruise ship! Top 3 New Year’s Eve experiences in Sydney recommended

Tripbaa Funbaa! Asia’s Free Travel Expert

One of the most globally anticipated and celebrated festivals of the year—New Year’s Eve—is just around the corner. How will you be welcoming 2019 this time? Watching the countdown concert at home, seeing the fireworks show live at Taipei 101, or braving the cold and excitement every year? This year, head to the Southern Hemisphere—Sydney, Australia—and ring in the New Year under the summer sky!

How should you plan this special summer New Year’s Eve in Sydney, and what are the reasons people recommend it? We’ll answer all your questions to help you create a perfect and unforgettable Sydney New Year’s Eve memory this year.

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney, Australia, is always highly anticipated on New Year’s Eve. The Sydney New Year’s Eve celebration isn’t just one of the few summer countdown destinations—it’s also the first place in the world to count down from 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. In Taiwan time, you can start enjoying the Sydney fireworks show via live broadcast as early as 9 PM. By celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sydney, you can be among the first in the world to welcome the new year.

In Taiwan, whether it’s the Taipei 101 fireworks, the Miramar fireworks, the Janfusun Fancyworld show, or the Dream Mall fireworks in Kaohsiung, they all go off at midnight after everyone counts down from 3, 2, 1 together. It’s a nationwide celebration. But Sydney’s New Year’s Eve is different—the local “Family Fireworks Show” starts at 9 PM, designed for families and parents with children, allowing those who need to rest early to still enjoy the fireworks!

Sydney Harbor Cruise for New Year’s Eve. (Photo / Tripbaa Funbaa! Asia’s Free Travel Expert)

The “New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show,” which draws visitors from other parts of Australia and even international travelers, will be launched successively from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, cruise ships at sea, and skyscrapers. Be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot and choose a location and seat that you’re happy with to fully enjoy the Sydney fireworks. Additionally, at various viewing spots such as Dawes Point Park, Campbells Cove, and the Sydney Opera House, there will be small performances or concerts by restaurants to liven up the atmosphere.

What makes Sydney’s New Year’s Eve so beloved isn’t just the fireworks. Starting at 6 PM local time, there will be performances. For 2017–2018, these included aerobatic jets and special programs. Of course, what makes the fireworks even more spectacular is the accompanying light show. The Sydney Opera House at night, along with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, is already a breathtaking sight. With the addition of lights and the embellishment of ships on the water, it becomes even more dazzling. Sydney’s New Year’s Eve is truly packed with activities and surprises all night long!

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Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Taiwan, you can truly feel the overwhelming crowd. In Sydney, you’ll need to be even more concerned about the crowds. People from all over the world come here, and everyone wants a great viewing spot, so arriving early to secure a place has become part of the Sydney New Year’s Eve itinerary.

But there’s a way to avoid this long wait and crowded queueing—the “cruise.” A cruise-based New Year’s Eve guarantees you a spot, sparing you from waiting under the scorching sun. You can explore other attractions earlier in the day, then board the ship in the evening to enjoy cool air-conditioning and onboard performances.

Official website: CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES

Friendly Reminder: There are up to six different cruise packages for Sydney’s New Year’s Eve, including options with or without meals, seated or standing, indoor air-conditioned or outdoor. Be sure to read the details carefully when booking.

The best thing about a Sydney New Year’s Eve cruise is that you don’t have to spend too much time waiting at the fireworks site. For example, queuing outdoors from 7 or 8 AM—in the middle of Sydney’s summer—can lead to heatstroke due to the strong sun and high temperatures. Plus, since you’re traveling, you should definitely check out other attractions or try some local cuisine. The time you’d otherwise spend waiting in line can be used for fun activities, which will definitely lift your mood and add more memories to your trip.

After boarding at 7 PM, you can enjoy the fireworks show, light show, and the surrounding sights of Sydney Harbour up close, while the ship also hosts a party with non-stop entertainment that gets more exciting as the night goes on. Cruise packages are available with or without meals. The ones with meals offer luxurious seafood dishes and a variety of drinks on board, while those without meals let you bring your own food and drinks—essentially throwing your own party on the ship.

For those watching the fireworks in Sydney Harbour, the most important concern is the quality of the viewing spot. Below, we’ve carefully compiled a list of free recommended spots and their opening times to help you prepare and secure a good place early. But if you’re someone who absolutely doesn’t want to queue but still wants to see the fireworks, we recommend skipping straight to a guided transfer New Year’s Eve package → 2019 Sydney Crazy Countdown Package!

Sydney Opera House

Opens at 7:30 AM, entrance at East Circular Quay. Close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s a popular spot, but note that the area in front of the Opera House is low-lying and may be obstructed—for example, by the Opera House building itself.

Mrs Macquaries Point and Ms. Macquarie’s Chair

Opens at 10:00 AM, entrance at Art Gallery Road. Offers views of Sydney’s two major landmarks—the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge—and is considered the best spot, though there can still be obstructions. The park pathways and the lawns behind them are most recommended.

East Circular Quay

Opens at 9:00 AM, entrance at East Circular Quay. Spacious and able to accommodate many people, but you’ll need to look up to see the fireworks. Recommended because there are many restaurants nearby where you can enjoy delicious food while watching the show. However, prices tend to be higher due to the New Year’s holiday, and some restaurants may price seats based on view quality.

Bradfield Park and Milsons Point (North Sydney)

Opens at 8:00 AM, entrance at Fitzroy Street. Provides panoramic views of downtown Sydney, but it’s located under the Harbour Bridge, so you’ll have to look up during the fireworks and might have your view partially blocked by the bridge itself.

Blue Point Reserve (North Sydney)

Opens at 8:00 AM, entrance at Larkin Street. Located on the back side of the bridge, but the view includes both the bridge and the Opera House—a great spot.

These are just some of the more commonly recommended and popular spots. There are other free viewing areas as well, and there are also several paid viewing spots near the harbor. For more information, you can check the official Sydney New Year’s Eve website (currently still the 2018 version; you can log in now to get the latest updates later).

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Ferry Operating Hours

To ensure overall safety during New Year’s Eve celebrations, all cruise boats will remain on the water during the fireworks display. However, if you need to take a ferry to reach the opposite shore, be aware that ferry services will be regulated in the afternoon. Therefore, if your desired fireworks viewing spot is on the other side of the water, make sure to take the ferry early to avoid being unable to reach your destination due to service suspension—ruining your New Year’s Eve experience.

Access Time to Shore Viewing Areas

Each fireworks viewing location has different regulation times, which are arranged based on crowd conditions on the day. Once regulations are in place, access becomes “exit-only”! Some key locations may even be regulated as early as noon or reach maximum capacity. Therefore, arriving “early” is truly important and necessary.

Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited

For safety reasons, strict security checks will be enforced on the day. All bags and drinks will be inspected. Almost all shore viewing areas prohibit bringing alcoholic beverages—this includes opened drinks and bottled water. Don’t worry, though, as the main recommended viewing spots will have food and drink stalls available.

Venue Regulations

Different shore viewing areas have different rules. Common restrictions include no camping, needing to put away umbrellas or tents after sunset, and no pets allowed. After confirming your desired viewing location, check online to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience on the day.

For those choosing to go on a cruise, boarding begins at 7:00 PM and disembarkation is not until 1:00 AM the next day. During these six hours, the boat will not stop at any port or dock. If you’re prone to seasickness, it is advised to take medication. If you haven’t brought any, you can purchase some at Australian pharmacies. Many people bring their own just to be safe. Don’t let seasickness ruin your experience or cost you a miserable night out.

Recommended Attire for New Year’s Eve Cruises

When boarding the New Year’s Eve cruise, please wear semi-formal casual attire and comfortable flat shoes. T-shirts, jeans, shorts, sandals, and sneakers are not considered appropriate. Additionally, it is recommended to bring a light jacket. Although it is summer, the large temperature difference between day and night can still get chilly.

Picking Up Tickets in Person:

Circular Quay  Wharf 6 (9.00am  7.00pm)
Darling Harbour  Pier 26 Aquarium Wharf (9.00am  5.00pm)
King Street Wharf  Wharf 1 (9.00am  4.30pm)

After purchasing your New Year’s Eve cruise ticket on the Captain Cook website, you must print the confirmation email received. Bring the confirmation email and relevant identification (passport) to one of the designated service counters to exchange your ticket before December 30.Mailing / Courier Service:

If you are unable to pick up your ticket before December 30, you can have it mailed to a specified address in Australia. Delivery typically takes about 1–2 weeks. Choosing international express delivery will take around 5 days.

[Authorized Repost from Tripbaa (Quba)] Original Source: [2019 Sydney New Year’s Eve: Avoid the Crowds with a Fireworks Cruise | Welcome the First New Year of the Year Aboard a Sydney Cruise]